Governor Hassan Recognizes Friends' 40 Years of Service

In recognition of the Friends Program's four decades of strengthening communities and restoring hope, Gov. Maggie Hassan recently read a commendation praising the work of our Four Programs. She concluded her reading of the document, "On behalf of the State of New Hampshire, I extend best regards to past and present Friends Program professionals, volunteers, and those who have benefited from this exceptional program."

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Building Bones in Belmont

With sponsorship support from Concord Orthopaedics and a recent grant from the Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund, Friends RSVP volunteers lead osteoporosis prevention programs at 22 sites in three counties. The semi-weekly sessions feature low-impact exercises that yield high-impact results in restoring bone density and balance. Recently, the Belmont site was visited by BCAF trustee Dr. Maria Ryan, who had a chance to take part in some of the exercises.

 

"As people are living longer, we want to help them enjoy these years" said Dr. Ryan."By supporting programs like Bone Builders that assist seniors to stay healthy and active, the Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund is working to build a community of active senior citizens."

 

Additionally, Friends RSVP has launched a new Bone Builders site in Newbury to serve seniors in western Merrimack County.

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Rock Band Styx Teams up with the Friends to Support Youth 

Mentoring

Classic rockers from Styx reached out to us recently to help with a unique fundraiser. They donated a signed guitar that volunteers and staff raffled off at last month's sold-out show at Meadowbrook. During the opening act, ticket sales generated nearly $1,400 to support our efforts to recruit volunteers to mentor Merrimack County youth. The fundraiser was a collaboration between the Friends Program and Rock to the Rescue, a national charitable organization spearheaded by Styx.

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Penacook Students Love Friends Foster Grandparent "Mrs. G"

We enjoy hearing how schools recognize their Friends Foster Grandparents. Penacook Elementary recently dedicated its yearbook to long-time volunteer Marge Goldman, who's beloved by students and faculty alike. This unique program places seniors in classrooms throughout the Granite State to help educate and support New Hampshire children.

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Thanking Our Downtown Concord Supporters

The Friends Program is deeply grateful for the longtime support of the many businesses Downtown. Board President Joanne Gagnon recently had the idea of walking from store to store thanking folks. Digger the Tiger joined Joanne, fellow Trustee Donna Rice, and Development Director Mark Foynes on a beautiful early summer afternoon. Digger is the mascot and goodwill ambassador of the current downtown revitalization project; he attracted lots of smiles from store owners, shoppers, and pedestrians.